Modular cross connect system with 3D-MEMS for optical telecommunication networks

Inactive Publication Date: 2008-04-29
TELEFON AB LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]In view of this purpose it was sought to provide in accordance with the present invention a cross connect system for optical telecommunication networks comprising input and output ports which are variously interconnected by means of switching members characterized in that it has a connecting section comprising in turn said ports and a main swi

Problems solved by technology

With the progressive increase in transmission speeds, band widths and network complexity, conversion of signals from optical to electrical and again optical becomes ever more difficult, costly and cumbersome.
Indeed, to supply adequate protection, additional optical circuitries with associated losses and interconnections are necessary.
In addition, the additional optical circuitry adds costs to the OXC architecture with MEMS.
A heavy optical interconnection with associated high losses and complexity is required between all the blocks.
However that may be, the result is always additional costs and signal losses.
This causes considerable problems in management of the optical fiber arrangement.

Method used

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  • Modular cross connect system with 3D-MEMS for optical telecommunication networks
  • Modular cross connect system with 3D-MEMS for optical telecommunication networks
  • Modular cross connect system with 3D-MEMS for optical telecommunication networks

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Embodiment Construction

[0030]With reference to the figures, FIG. 1 shows diagrammatically by way of example a first embodiment of an OXC designated as a whole by reference number 10 in accordance with the present invention. The optical unit is divided in two main bodies, to wit one section 11 for connection and comprising the collimators 28 and a section 12 for switching with the MEMS. The first section is a fixed part not designed to be replaced, relatively simple and therefore reliable. The second section is a replaceable section containing the movable mirrors with MEMS technology and associated control parts. The two sections face each other through a window 13. As shown below, the replaceable MEMS section also comprises devices for accurate realignment of the structure with the collimator arrays in the fixed part. For the sake of simplicity only one MEMS optical path is shown diagrammatically.

[0031]The window 13 can be sealed with a glass plate with appropriate antireflection coatings or can comprise ...

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Abstract

A modular cross connect system for optical telecommunication networks has the optical unit divided in at least two main bodies with one section for connection comprising the collimators and a main commutation section with MEMS devices. The first section is a fixed part while the second section is a readily removable section. The two sections face each other through a window and, in the first section, optics are provided for steering all or part of the optical signals from and to the main MEMS unit to a MEMS standby or protection plane to allow replacement of the main MEMS unit without interrupting service.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to an innovative telecommunication cross connect structure based on 3D-MEMS.[0002]Optical switching devices termed Cross Connect Switch (OXCs) for routing of optical signals in telecommunication systems are well known. The more conventional OXCs perform routing of optical signals by first converting them into electrical signals which are routed to the appropriate output port by means of electronic circuits and are then reconverted into optical signals. The switching takes place in this manner on electrical signals. With the progressive increase in transmission speeds, band widths and network complexity, conversion of signals from optical to electrical and again optical becomes ever more difficult, costly and cumbersome.[0003]OXCs have therefore been proposed in which switching takes place directly on the optical signals employing the so-called MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical System) members. These are virtually arrays of ...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): H04J14/00H04B10/27H04Q3/52H04B10/29H04Q11/00
CPCH04Q11/0005H04Q2011/0024H04Q2011/0026H04Q2011/0043
InventorCERATO, UGO
OwnerTELEFON AB LM ERICSSON (PUBL)